If you’re planning a trip to one of our shelters on August 15th, you still have time to figure out what kind of pet you want. More importantly, you still have time to figure out what kind of pet will fit into your lifestyle. If you haven’t given the matter a whole lot of thought, please do so now by reading this article. Many of the pets who languish in our shelters are there because their owners did not realize they were unable or unwilling to provide a suitable home for their pet.
Last week, I wrote at length about choosing the perfect dog. As promised, cat people, this time it’s all about you! Here are some pointers for finding your forever feline on August 15th.
Decide what kind of temperament appeals to you
While each cat has its own unique personality, it’s a good idea to think about an activity level that fits your lifestyle. Do you want a lap kitty or a class clown? A kitten or an adult? While a lap cat may sound wonderful, enjoying such a cat means actually sitting down! If your home is full of bustle and activity, your lap kitty may feel left out. A more active cat, or a kitten may be a better choice. Keep in mind that even the most mellow, independent cats will still want some of your time and attention.
Assessing a shelter cat’s temperament
When you go to the shelter, make sure it is a family affair. Not only should everyone in the household get a vote, it’s important to see how your each feline contender responds to everyone in the family. This is especially true of children. You don’t want to bring home a cat or kitten who is terrified of kids. Your children are likely to tire of a pet who bolts under the bed at the first sight of them, and this can lead to conflict down the road. That being said, make sure children, especially little ones, understand that cats should never be chased, grabbed, hugged, or yelled at. They must be allowed to walk away if they want to, and need to be handled gently.
When you get to the shelter, walk through the entire facility, and check out all of the cats before you start narrowing down choices. Don’t overlook any cats who may be taking a nap, and don’t rule them out either. Cats sleep for about 17 hours per day, so don’t assume a cat who’s asleep is lazy, unfriendly or aloof. He’s just being a cat. When you get the point where you’re starting to make choices, ask the shelter staff to wake him up so you can get to know him as well.
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Any cat who comes up to the kennel door to greet you, sniff you, or rub up against the bars is a strong contender. If he seems curious about your children, even better. A cat that hides in the corner, wide-eyed and staring, may not be comfortable in a high-intensity household.
Getting to know a shelter cat
If possible, see if the shelter has a separate room where you can get to know the kitties one on one. When you’re making your choices, don’t forget about the sleepyheads! Ask the shelter staff to wake them up so you can meet them. Have a couple of cat toys handy - a plastic ball with a bell in it, or a stuffed toy that crinkles will do the job nicely. See how each cat reacts when you engage him with the toy. A cat that focuses more on you than on the toy, or who would rather rub his chin against you than play with the toy, is probably going to be a lap cat. If he pounces on the toy with gusto, he is more likely to be active and inquisitive by nature.
Next, see how the cat responds to being handled. If he enjoys being picked up and held, you’ve probably got a winner. If he is merely tolerating it, take note, but don’t give up. A cat who tries frantically to get away, is not a lost cause, but may not be a good choice for a very active household, or a home he must share with dogs and/or small children. That being said, it’s important to look at the situation from a cat’s point of view.
Like their canine counterparts, cats can find shelters overwhelming and scary. Most shelter cats are lacking the exercise, mental activity, and human interaction they crave. Therefore, it’s important to cut cats some slack as well. Shelter cats are constantly bombarded with new sights, sounds, and smells - and cats are not particularly wild about change to begin with. The wide-eyed waif that’s melting your heart might have just been surrendered. Perhaps he was just moved from another part of the shelter. Get as much information as you can from the shelter staff, and take everything into consideration before making your choice.
One last thought…
As long as you’re adopting a shelter cat, why not adopt two? I’ve always felt cats do better in pairs. This is especially true of kittens. Kittens have a tremendous amount of energy, and another kitten will keep him occupied long after you’ve decided you’ve had enough. Additionally, two kittens at play provide hours of entertainment and stress relief. If you choose an adult cat who is sharing a kennel with a friend, consider taking the friend home as well. It will go a long way towards helping your new kitty adjust.
When you adopt from a shelter, you’re saving a life. And the only thing better than saving a life, is saving two lives. Your reward is spending the next 15 or so years with not one, but two, grateful hearts - not to mention the gratitude of the animal care community. Our goal on August 15th is to Clear the Shelters. One by one, we’ll get it done. Why not double our chances?
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